I don't have much issue with stuff that Hasbro/Takara has never made like Henkai Sunstorm and such, but doing copies of stuff that HAS been done seems to be really ridiculous, especially the copies of BotCon stuff. At least they could put their own spin on it like that MP Black Rodimus inspired verson.

So far all Botcon "Replicas" have had some change they made to the toy on purpose so they are not confused with the "real thing" by collectors. I like that they do this. Wouldn't want to mess up the collectability of the real thing, but let's face it, if you don't have a SG Rodimus they sell for about $400 when they become available, I'd never buy that now, but I'd buy a near-replica stand-in for $30.

The Not-Botcon Optimus Prime has "NOT FOR SALE" on his bumper and an extra crack painted in his window. The no Botcon Mirage is missing his rub symbol and has different copyright info from the real thing.

According to a recent update on this toy it will be out shortly, they are already taking pre-orders. It costs $40 plus shipping, slightly less if you want one without packaging. They also confirm there will be a KO Henkei Wildrider deco, but there WILL NOT be a KO Side Burn deco probably because they don't want to take sales away from the TFCC on a product they currently sell on their site.

The Not-Botcon Optimus Prime has "NOT FOR SALE" on his bumper and an extra crack painted in his window. The no Botcon Mirage is missing his rub symbol and has different copyright info from the real thing.

Of course, you still have to know that a near-replica KO exists and be looking for this sort of thing. All too easy for someone to throw something like this on ebay and fool people who won't discover it until months later, if ever... especially if the seller "corrects" some of the changes.

The Not-Botcon Optimus Prime has "NOT FOR SALE" on his bumper and an extra crack painted in his window. The no Botcon Mirage is missing his rub symbol and has different copyright info from the real thing.

Of course, you still have to know that a near-replica KO exists and be looking for this sort of thing. All too easy for someone to throw something like this on ebay and fool people who won't discover it until months later, if ever... especially if the seller "corrects" some of the changes.

Although you say this, I have never seen the PRIME on ebay, particularly since they have different packaging they are easier to tell apart. I have seen the Mirage, but not lately, and always sold as a KO or replica. Despite your worries, most people have been very honest about it. They are generally sold for people who can't aford the "real thing", not as schemes for people to trick people into paying too much.